Seri iskandar: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has underscored the importance of empowering platforms like the Perak Youth Aspiration Centre (PASAK) to cultivate future innovators, technology entrepreneurs, and change-makers. Ahmad Zahid emphasized that these platforms have the potential to replicate the success of young entrepreneurs who have made groundbreaking contributions at an international level.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid highlighted the success story of Carsome, a company that transformed the used car industry through innovative digital solutions and reverse engineering. Carsome's journey from a simple idea to becoming Malaysia's first technology unicorn, valued in the billions across Asia, serves as an exemplar of what can be achieved with the right support and resources.

Speaking at the Launch Ceremony of the State-Level Idea Festival (FOI@Negeri) and the Perak State Idea Festival (FOI@Perak) Year 2025 at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Perak Branch, Ahmad Zahid was accompanied by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and the ministry's Secretary-General Datuk Dr Anesee Ibrahim. He stressed the need for the National Idea Festival to become a catalyst for creative and innovative thinking beyond the capital city, reaching into rural areas.

Ahmad Zahid articulated his vision for the Idea Festival to evolve into a continuous movement, encouraging participation from schools, universities, and rural communities nationwide. He emphasized the importance of translating ideas into actionable projects through the Industrial Idea Consortium, ensuring that youth creations do not remain mere prototypes but are matched with government agencies, investors, and Government-Linked Companies (GLCs).

To further support this vision, Ahmad Zahid announced the establishment of the Innovative TVET Pavilion, which will serve as an exhibition space for students to display their technological innovations, reinforcing the value of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a forward-looking career path. Additionally, he introduced the concept of the Rural Hackathon, aimed at inspiring young people to develop creative solutions for agriculture, fisheries, and small rural industries.